Free ping pong at Bounce for World Mental Health Day

PING PONG KEEPS THE MIND STRONG

Psychologist Encourages People to Play Ping Pong and De-stress, This World Mental Health Day

The benefits of playing ping pong have been linked to maintaining positive mental health, new insight from a leading psychologist has found.

Multiple academic studies have uncovered both physical and mental health benefits of playing ping pong and a top psychologist has reaffirmed that the recreational sport could be the key to relieving tension, clearing the mind and de-stressing.

Dr Simon Moore, Chartered Psychologist and CEO of behavioural strategy agency, Innovation Bubble, endorses the fact that not only does ping pong increase heart rate and movement, but he also notes that the game requires total concentration, creating a meditative state which aids relaxation and stress relief.

Dr Moore said: “Ping pong not only offers proven health benefits such as moderate cardiac workout, calorie burning and muscle/joint mobilisation but as a sport it also offers positive psychological outcomes. It is an inclusive sport, not defined by gender or age, and by being accessible to a broad range of demographics it enhances social connections and interactions.

“This offers psychological uplifts against isolation, depression as well as encouraging interactions with a wide variety of people (which feeds our deep-seated needs for social connectivity and exploration). Ping pong has been shown to be great for improving and maintaining cognitive function in relation to such things as hand-eye coordination, reaction times and problem solving.”

As World Mental Health Day (Monday 10 October) prompts millions to examine the things that have the biggest impact on emotional wellbeing, leading London-based ping pong brand, Bounce, is encouraging people to explore the benefits of ping pong.

Bounce will be providing free sessions to guests on World Mental Health Day.

Toby Harris CEO of State of Play Hospitality, the owner of Bounce, said: “We want as many people as possible to experience the benefits of playing ping pong on World Mental Health Day, which is why we are offering complimentary games throughout the day.

“With ping pong, players are more connected to one another ‘physically’ in the sense that their performance has a direct impact their opponent’s experience which isn’t the case with many other social activities. Having an unexpectedly long rally will always provide moments of laughter and joy – something we all need plenty of in life!
“Also the continuous nature of ping pong means that it’s impossible to think about anything else while playing as the next point starts right away. Unlike other sports where there’s a longer gap between turns there’s little down time to let frazzled minds wander.”

Physical exercise has long been linked to improved mental wellbeing and along with the added benefits of increased concentration and mental focus required, the benefits of ping pong are there for the taking.

TalkSport presenter, ex-Premiership footballer and professional boxer, Leon Mckenzie, said: “Finding ways to de-stress and take care of our mental wellbeing has taken precedent for us as a society now, which has been a huge step forward. My career in football and boxing has made me a passionate advocate of the powers of physical exercise to maintain mental wellness. Sometimes I’ve had moments my mind gets cloudy and It’s been a struggle to do what I know helps.

“However, when I do make exercise a priority, I’ve always felt better mentally so any positive light shed on forms of exercise like ping pong, is fantastic. Physical games like ping pong can be used as a method for people to make time for fun and relaxation, as well as to feel fitter. Having a balance of both physical and mental wellness really does make life better.”

Bounce, the home of ping pong, has for a long time been a leader in the competitive socialising scene in London serving up a vibrant mix of games and premium hospitality.

Guests will be able to enjoy free games of ping pong at Bounce Old Street from 4:30pm and from 8:30pm at Bounce Farringdon, on World Mental Health Day. Quote the code PING PONG MIND STRONG to gain free entry. Visit https://www.bouncepingpong.com/events?